The 21-year Novak Djokovic streak that came to an end with his defeat to Rinky Hijikata in Paris

Novak Djokovic’s chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals were ended as he lost to Rinky Hijikata in the second round of the Paris Masters.

Djokovic looked in full control of the match as he took the first set, but the Australian fought back to win a three-set battle and end the Serbian’s season.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion had an outside chance of qualifying for the ATP Finals ahead of the Paris Masters, but his early exits means he will miss the year-end tournament once again.

Djokovic’s early Paris Masters exit ensures his wretched run at Masters 1000 events in 2026 continued, with the star failing to reach a single quarterfinal this season.

Novak Djokovic’s record at Masters 1000 events in 2026

- Indian Wells – 4R

- Miami Open – A

- Monte Carlo – A

- Madrid Open – A

- Italian Open – 2R

- Canadian Open – A

- Cincinnati Open – 2R

- Shanghai Masters – 2R

- Paris Masters – 2R

It’s the first time in 21 years that has happened, when Djokovic was playing in his first full season on the ATP Tour in 2005.

Djokovic only played five Masters 1000 tournaments this season, but his best effort came in his first at Indian Wells.

He defeated Kamil Majchrzak and Aleksandar Kovacevic, before losing to Jack Draper in the fourth round of the California tournament.

Those would be his last victories until the Paris Masters, when he defeated Valentin Vacherot in three sets to end his winning drought at ATP 1000 level.

Nevertheless, Djokovic has found it tough at Masters level this year, despite still managing to show his best tennis at the Grand Slams.

Djokovic reached the final of the Australian Open and the semifinals of Wimbledon, but he was beaten in his opening round match of the Italian Open, the Cincinnati Open, and the Shanghai Masters.

In recent years, Djokovic has shown that he is undoubtedly one of the best players on the ATP Tour outside of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, but that has changed in 2026.

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A string of out-of-character results against the likes of Hubert Hurkacz, Thiago Agustin Tirante, and Mariano Navone have proved that anyone can beat the 24-time Grand Slam champion on his day.

Djokovic’s next tournament is now expected to be the Six Kings Slam, which takes place between the 27th and 30th December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

He will compete against Sinner, Alcaraz, Alex de Minaur, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz at the exhibition tournament.

After that, he will likely next be in competitive action at the 2027 Australian Open.